Ruta Provincial 26 – Bosques Petrificados Circuit
Ancient forest turned to stone in Patagonian badlands
The dirt track to Bosques Petrificados cuts through some of Argentina’s most alien terrain, where Jurassic-era tree trunks turned to stone lie scattered across rainbow-colored badlands. Ruta Provincial 26 branches off RN3 near Jaramillo and winds 50 kilometers through rolling steppe before dropping into the protected reserve where massive petrified logs—some over 30 meters long—create an otherworldly forest frozen in time. The Cerro Madre e Hija lookout offers sweeping views across this prehistoric graveyard.
This moderate route handles well with any high-clearance vehicle, though washboard sections shake fillings loose and river rock stretches demand attention. Best tackled April through October when temps are manageable—summer heat here approaches blast-furnace levels. No fuel or water available past Jaramillo, so tank up and carry extras. The payoff is having one of Argentina’s most surreal landscapes mostly to yourself, camping under stars so bright they’ll ruin city lights forever.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 62 mi / 100 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1800 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Jaramillo, Santa Cruz |
| Land manager | Administración de Parques Nacionales |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or high-clearance 2WD truck handle Ruta Provincial 26 without 4WD?
Yes — a high-clearance 2WD is the listed minimum and will get you through in dry conditions. The dirt track is rough and corrugated but not technically demanding; 4WD becomes relevant only if rain has softened the surface or you hit unexpected muddy sections.
What's the best time of year to drive this circuit, and is it passable in winter?
April through October is the recommended window — Patagonian summer (November–March) brings brutal winds that can make driving miserable and kick up blinding dust. Winter temperatures drop hard but the track stays drivable; just watch for ice on the surface in June and July.
Do I need a permit to enter Bosques Petrificados and is there an entrance fee?
Bosques Petrificados is a National Monument managed by Argentina's Administración de Parques Nacionales — there is an entrance fee collected at the park gate, and it must be paid in Argentine pesos. Check current fee rates before you go as Argentina's pricing shifts frequently; no advance permit is required.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I actually expect?
The roughest stretches are the heavily washboarded sections of RP-26 between Jaramillo and the park entrance — relentless corrugation that will rattle your gear loose if it's not tied down. There are no technical obstacles or serious ledges; the challenge is sustained rough road for 100 km, not any single hard move.
How far is the nearest fuel stop and can I count on resupplying in Jaramillo?
Jaramillo is a tiny rail settlement — do not count on fuel or supplies there. Fill up in Puerto Deseado or Caleta Olivia before heading out, and plan for the full 100 km round trip plus buffer; there is zero cell service on the circuit if something goes wrong.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.